AKIKO IIJIMA: Mozart Piano Sonatas

Akiko Iijima

Mozart Piano Sonatas

© 1995 Accord Music Production Singapore (634479102998)

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The highest quality Mozart Piano Sonata recordings, on a 1894 Steinway Model C.

notes

Even at the tender age of five, it seems that Akiko was destined to be a musician.

At age 16, her ambition turned to reality when she met Ms Smiko Inouchi, a well-known pianist who could appreciate Akiko's tremendous talent. Ms Inouchi immediately offered Akiko the opportunity to become one of her students - an honour rarely given. This apprenticeship was indeed a significant musical leap for Akiko.

1972 was another milestone for Akiko as she had the distinct privilege to perform for maestro pianist and conductor Christoph Eschenbach during his Tokyo recital. So impressed was Mr Escenbach with Akiko's performance and potential that he gave her an intensive course in piano lessons.

In 1991, Maestro Escenbach, then the Musical Director of the Houston Symphony, invited Akiko to his own piano masterclass at the Music Academy in Hamburg, Germany. This paved the way for her entry into musical society in Europe. Maestro Eschenbach is now the Music Director of Orchestra De Paris and Philadelphia Orchestra.

Akiko was recently honoured too, with an open invitation by the Salzburg Palace Concert to perform in Salzburg in the future. With her enthusiasm in music ever-growing, Akiko also provides inspiration as a teacher of music students, teachers and pianists.

Over the last ten years, Akiko has continued to chalk up impressive milestones. In 1994, she gave a Solo Recital at the Victoria Concert Hall in Singapore. A year later, she teamed up with cellist Victor Lawrence of the New York Philharmonic for another concert and capped the year with the release of a CD titled "Akiko Iijima; Mozart Sonatas" recorded in New York. Many solo recitals ensued including in New York, Long Island and San Francisco.

Akiko not only delivers excellent music, she imparts it as well. In 1994, she ran a workshop organized by the Ministry of Education, Singapore while since 1996, she has taught at the National Institute of Education / Nanyang Technological University. In 1998 marked another high for Akiko as she began work as a Mentor on the Certificate of Teaching, leading to the qualification of CT-ABRSM which is run by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, United Kingdom.

Whether performing or teaching, Akiko's quest to strive for the pinnacle of music excellence shows delightfully.

reviews

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  • Inspiring
    author: Gail

    Akiko Iijima's playing is a joy to listen to as well as a wonderful inspiration for anyone learning to play Mozart. Her keen adherence to tempo, spirited expression, and complete understanding of the many subtleties within each movement are unsurpassed. I love her fresh, honest style. The vintage piano adds charm and clarity of tone. All in all, an outstanding CD!

  • Gifted Performance
    author: Fred Seet

    The renditions of Mozart's piano sonatas on this CD reveal Akiko's sensitive and inspired spirit. Enjoyable as classical study pieces and also as background music.

  • Among the Finest
    author: Jake Stevenson

    Classical piano at its finest!! Ms. Iijima's playing is exceptional, I really enjoyed the whole CD. For any lover of Mozart, and/or classical piano in general, this is a must have CD. The recording quality is outstanding, and the sound of the vintage piano really stands out.

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